Ben Contreras TWO shared articles on Facebook of PDI (Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 22, 2016) by its two writers who shared slightly different views on the hottest issue of the day: Extrajudicial killing (or is it?) One says, “The President is waging a hard line just-kill-them-all war on drugs at a time when the rest of the world already knows the truth about such a strategy: it doesn’t work,” citing further that it’s “a war that has been fought for 40 years (and) has not been won – by Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos. Thus, “You need to change it (the strategy?).” Forty years is quite long for change. It should have been done say, after 10 years or 20 years the most. And what change in strategy has been introduced? I wonder if this is it. “Government and civic groups have long recognized the effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation and even decriminalization of drug use and possession.” Further, “A growing number of city, state and national government no longer treat drug use and possession a crime.” Yes, treatment and rehabilitation is a must but to decriminalize use and possession, well, try telling that to the victims. You can’t stop prostitution, so legalize it. You can’t stop marital infidelity, so legalize it. Are we also saying, we can’t stop corruption, so legalize it? We can’t stop crime, theft, robbery, murder, so legalize it? Now, we can’t stop using drugs and its possession for whatever reason, so, legalize it? Is that it? The article failed to mention which government and civic groups no longer treat drug use and possession a crime. I don’t want to accuse anyone of being anti-Duterte or being disrespectful for calling a President Mayor and a sick one. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, and let us all agree to disagree. In reference to the President, “He is not only crass, he is crass intellectually, dishonest and breathtakingly contemptuous of the Filipino and his right and entitlement under a modern and enlightened system of laws.” “I am a lawyer and I am offended by this President.” – Lawyer activist Raffy Aquino Do we really have a “modern and enlightened system of laws”? A flawed justice system breeds activism, right? Attorney, I am a citizen of this country. I am being protected by this President. The other writer says, “While Philippine society has been talking about the drug scourge, both from the massiveness of the illicit trade and the impact of drug abuse, the true focus was always on controlling and reducing illegal drug supply. By now, we know that this policy did not produce its desired result. Worse, the growing demand for illegal drugs simply put more supply into the market.” Masarap ang bawal, di ba? We used to ask this question in jest but it’s actually happening in our society. Those against perceived extra-judicial killings have been silent on what’s going on at the Bilibid. The videos have been there, repeated many times for everyone to see. If we Filipinos are not ashamed of how our government officials behave inside with known drug lords, then we are doomed. This other writer would rather look at the brighter side than just criticize. He sees betrayal that would become part of this perceived extra-judicial killing; getting rid of those who may squeal and divulge names of those who are supposed to be the defenders of the citizenry, among toehrs. Good riddance? If you are not alarmed by the numbers, you’ll probably collapse and pass out by the real score. What to do with them? I have a humble solution. Let them clean our rivers, clogged esteros and drainages and our surroundings with pay. When many are afraid of garbage and dirt, they may come in handy. Don’t you think so?